Simms Fishing Gear Review: Is the high-end brand worth the price?

I grew up with the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes,” and it’s true. Often, while fishing, you are exposed to some of the worst weather conditions. The right gear can mean the difference between pointless suffering and enjoying your time on the water, regardless of whether or not you actually catch any fish.

I’ve heard the Simms name whispered around in the fishing community for a while, so I decided to buy a higher model Simms when I needed a rain jacket a few years ago. Spoiler alert: this is the best rain jacket I’ve ever owned. So, when I had the opportunity to try some more of their products, I jumped at the chance to see if the rest of their uses matched my initial impressions.

What is Simms fishing gear?

Simms has been around since the 1980s and has changed hands several times over the years. Its headquarters are based in Bozeman, Montana, where some of its products are manufactured.

Unlike other companies founded by fishermen (cough Eddie Bauer cough), the company is still focused on making things specifically geared toward anglers. Anyone can certainly use most of Simms’ gear, but anglers will appreciate the special touches to make your time on the water more comfortable.

How I tested Simms fishing gear

My first taste of Simms gear was with the Women’s G3 Guide Fishing Jacket I bought in 2022. Since then, it’s been my everyday rain jacket, serving double duty on morning walks with my puppy and the river. I also had the opportunity to test a few other products over the course of a few months:

I added these items to my regular rotation, wearing the socks and hat every week and the waders on several river fishing trips in warm late summer conditions and cold winter fishing trips.

What I liked about Simms fishing gear

The quality of the gear is top-notch

I knew my Simms G3 rain jacket was a quality product from the moment I got it. My favorite feature is the storm cuffs that I can tuck under regular cuffs, thus preventing the dreaded elbow pools that can accumulate during rainy Pacific Northwest winters when I tend to hold my arm upright while fishing. The hood also provides enough coverage without getting in the way or dripping water onto my face; something I have never experienced before in a rain jacket.

The gear fabric is strong and durable, but soft when needed. OTC socks are super soft, for example, and have held up well in the washer as I’ve been adding them to my weekly rotation for several months.

The waders are comfortable and feature ample extra room in the hip department. I’m not a very curvy girl but I found them to be perfect for my shape.

I also appreciate that the waders are held in place by an elastic band on the boots with no issues. My regular waders are attached to my boots, which I thought I preferred at first but now it feels like my knees are glued to my feet, with limited ability to flex my feet as I move. This is not an issue with Simms waders, however, and they have shown that they have designed their products well enough to avoid common complaints with other fishing gear.

Customer service is excellent

I crashed—literally—when my braid got caught in the zipper of a G3 rain jacket on a recent trip. (Unfortunately, one of the few fairly frequent gear complaints.) I broke the zipper trying to free myself, took a chunk of my hair with it and left me unable to zip up my rain jacket with the rest part of the day on a cold January, fishing in the river.

I was a little upset when I contacted the company about a warranty claim when I got back to the office because I was technically outside the warranty window. However, the customer service rep was very helpful (shout out to Matt), sending me a video on how to do a DIY zipper repair and asking about my comfort level in performing the repair myself. He sent a replacement zipper the next day for free, apologizing that he couldn’t send a replacement hair with it either. Sure enough, it was an easy fix, and I was back in business for the next fishing trip.

What I didn’t like about Simms fishing gear

because it’s expensive

There’s a reason I haven’t reviewed Simms until now: I love it, and I’ve been a broke college student for most of my adult life. It wasn’t until recently that I could afford quality gear like Simms, so I can sympathize with those who can’t afford the high prices. You get what you pay for, though, so it’s worth saving up if you need to—or at least waiting until there’s a sale.

You have to be careful when washing some of the things

Aside from the zipper issue, my only complaint is the Hayward Wool Beanie I tried on. It’s so warm, comfortable, and advertised as machine-washable—until I tried to wash it the first time and it shrunk and felt slight. The beanie is unisex and it’s also a little big for me (I’m 5’4” for reference), so I definitely saw an improvement in shrinkage. But if it is suitable for you, I can recommend hand washing instead. I don’t have this issue with wool socks, but I’m hesitant to consider other wool products that Simms also sells, like gloves.

Is Simms fishing gear worth it?

Yes, as long as you can.

Yes, absolutely. If you have the means to buy Simms gear, I would recommend it before investing in more technical fishing gear. You’ll enjoy your time on the water more even if you don’t catch a fish. And if you don’t have the means to buy Simms gear? There are always sales and second-hand items to consider; I expect the quality will still increase over time more than most other brands of fishing tackle.